|
On Nov. 20, 2006, USCIS authorized a five-year stay for J-1 scholars and professors. This is five years from the start date of their J-1 program, listed on their DS-2019. This is NOT five years from their entry date into the U.S. BE SURE TO REQUEST A PROGRAM START DATE CLOSE TO THE TIME OF THE SCHOLAR'S ARRIVAL SO PROGRAM TIME IS NOT LOST DUE TO TRAVEL.
Also, a new 24-month bar is now active. Any J-1 professor or research scholar (regardless of entry date) who is in the U.S with an active DS-2019 on or after Nov. 20, 2006, will be bared from participation in any US J-1 professor or research scholar program for a total of two years once the current program has ended (regardless of whether the entire five years was used). Please see the OIE-IS J-1 sponsorship form [PDF] for more information, or visit NAFSA [PDF].
|
